The Natural Areas Academy: A New Educational Experience

Through hands-on conservation projects and workshops within our 4000 acres of living classrooms, the Natural Areas Academy will offer an engaged educational experience  by: 

• demonstrating essential stewardship methods, 
• cultivating environmental literacy, and
• encouraging interactive experiences with the natural world.    
   
        

Natural Areas Academy participants are provided the knowledge, tools, and skills to help preserve our natural heritage through an ongoing series of learning opportunities.

• Through guided field trips to natural communities and local rare plant habitats, participants gain a greater understanding of natural areas by exploring natural history, the effects of past land use, and the principles of ecology and conservation. 

• Hands-on workshops demonstrate fundamental stewardship methods, including invasive species identification and control, native plant propagation, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and natural resource monitoring.  View program schedule.

• Participants will put their knowledge and experience into action by taking on independent projects or conducting volunteer stewardship in Plantations Natural Areas, under the direction of Plantations staff and mentors. As an academy member’s understanding, confidence, and interest in natural areas management grows, they may take on a larger role in the program, and lead specific management and learning projects, themselves becoming a mentor.  In this way, new academy members are engaged and mentored by both staff and fellow participants.